KUALA LUMPUR – Former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong took a particular interest in Malaysia’s anti-party hopping laws during a recent meeting with Perikatan Nasional (PN) lawmakers, said opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
In a Facebook posting today, Hamzah, who is also PN secretary-general, said various matters – particularly measures to strengthen bilateral relations – were discussed during the “highly meaningful” meeting.
They were joined by Putrajaya MP Datuk Radzi Jidin, Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Kuala Langat MP Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi and Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam.
“We also deliberated on regional and international geopolitical issues that significantly impact both countries.
“(Lee) expressed keen interest in hearing the views of PN MPs on domestic issues such as the cost of living and national taxation policies, as well as the contentious issue of the anti-party hopping law, which drew (Lee’s) special attention,” Hamzah said.
The legislation enshrined under Article 49A of the Federal Constitution has been a hot topic in Malaysia recently due to the move by six opposition parliamentarians and one assemblyman who declared support for the government.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul’s decision to not vacate the seats held by the six Bersatu elected representatives has since drawn flak from the opposition, who have accused the speaker of going against the spirit of the anti-party hopping law.
Lee, who is the eldest son of Singapore’s first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, was made prime minister in 2004.
His resignation in May this year saw his deputy Lawrence Wong taking over. – July 23, 2024